Saw These At Pawn Shop

[Bowtech4ever]

Hey pipers, while I was pawn shop hoppin this afternoon, I saw these. I'm a cigars only guy, but thought what the hell, I'll snap a couple shots, in case there was a "gotta have it" in the group for one of you. Listed at $100 ea. Pretty high I imagine, but owner said he was very motivated to negotiate.
http://i1381.photobucket.com/albums/ah223/scott249/2015-03/95171ECA-9392-4638-8D07-E02AF4A70BEA_zpsr5v0kdw9.jpg (http://s1381.photobucket.com/user/scott249/media/2015-03/95171ECA-9392-4638-8D07-E02AF4A70BEA_zpsr5v0kdw9.jpg.html)

http://i1381.photobucket.com/albums/ah223/scott249/2015-03/FAC6CD7E-CC0A-4186-A492-326E7AD62BA6_zpsvrqqo1db.jpg (http://s1381.photobucket.com/user/scott249/media/2015-03/FAC6CD7E-CC0A-4186-A492-326E7AD62BA6_zpsvrqqo1db.jpg.html)

http://i1381.photobucket.com/albums/ah223/scott249/2015-03/AF0128ED-3A2E-4D9A-872B-AC74303068FE_zpshqrnnl2c.jpg (http://s1381.photobucket.com/user/scott249/media/2015-03/AF0128ED-3A2E-4D9A-872B-AC74303068FE_zpshqrnnl2c.jpg.html)

[dj1340]

man those look nice in the picture at least.

[Blaylock]

I never get tired of looking at a hand carved Meer in person; and appreciating the workmanship that goes into carving it.

[LandonColby]

those are a deal at 100 bucks from what I can see (don't know if the stems fit snug) and if they are up for negotiation I'm sure you could get a steal. That's awesome.
I wish I could go by and buy one!


Thanks for snapping a few pics! Makes this forum all the more fun to be a part of.

[dj1340]

I agree, if those are the real deal $100 bucks is cheap but even better if he will deal

[Bowtech4ever]

I agree, if those are the real deal $100 bucks is cheap but even better if he will deal

Willing to help any interested BOTL out. Shop is about a mile from home. I was looking at guns when they jumped out at me. Had I not been reading all the Piper Banter (ya'll some serious folk), and seeing the killer pics.....beards, handle bars, scowls...hell ya, they wouldn't have meant near as much.

I will get more pics, inspect, etc., if you are interested enough to pursue. Even though you guys are from the "other side of town", we're all brothers here, and I'm glad to help a brother any day.

[dj1340]

Willing to help any interested BOTL out. Shop is about a mile from home. I was looking at guns when they jumped out at me. Had I not been reading all the Piper Banter (ya'll some serious folk), and seeing the killer pics.....beards, handle bars, scowls...hell ya, they wouldn't have meant near as much.

I will get more pics, inspect, etc., if you are interested enough to pursue. Even though you guys are from the "other side of town", we're all brothers here, and I'm glad to help a brother any day.

Maybe get some more info about where their from, stampings etc. If they are the real deal from Turkey and maybe have a carvers name on them you could
be on to something. Nothing like a meer after the color has started to take effect.

[Branzig]

I will get more pics, inspect, etc., if you are interested enough to pursue. Even though you guys are from the "other side of town", we're all brothers here, and I'm glad to help a brother any day.

I don't know about other side of town, maybe more like around the block or down the street. A bunch of us smoke cigars too :p

Check to see if there is any paperwork and if there is a carver or famous company stamped on it.

They aren't my particular cup of tee, but if they are tied to something specific then you may be sitting on a gold mine there...

[quo155]

Those are really sweet! I'd probably be all over that eagle if I were local. Thanks for sharing the photos!

[NeverBend]

Scott,

Thanks for the pics and post.

My knowledge of meerschaum brands and famous names is dated but the basics haven't changed.

Make sure that the stone (raw meerschaum) is of high quality. On Turkish stone there shouldn't be any discolorations, translucent spots (used to be wax fills) or any splits or fissures. There are natural flaws in all stone but the skilled carver works around them and incorporates them into his design. Stone from other areas have different properties depending on it's chemical composition so these points are specific to Turkish meerschaum that is a pure white. African stone is often mottled in color.

The quality of the carving is the real proof of the quality of the cut, no matter whose name is, or is not on the pipe. If the piece is well carved and you like it, then it's a good piece. If there was a noteworthy artisan's name attached you'd expect to pay more but it comes down to your eye test and an ugly name piece is still ugly. From what I can see the woman's head is the best carved piece here. The carving is flowing with clear smooth areas and a long graceful shank. A longer shank can be repaired in the event of a crack (needs to be cut). The man's head is a short shank and not as graceful (as an example) but it's not a bad carving.

Larger pieces tend to be more expensive for much the same reasons that diamonds are priced by size. The Eagle is a large piece but not as well carved as the woman's head. Knowing the size, length, width and height of these pipes could help establish their value.

These cases appear to be custom form fit that used to indicate value but at the least it means that the case has some quality. The exterior material can shed some light on value, especially if it's leather. Look too at the quality of the interior material.

Once you know the size, use eBay for price comparisons. These pipes aren't smoked but they look new or at the least they're real clean. Don't compare to antiques, or pipes that were carved in Austria. Compare them to new Turkish carved stock being sold. These should also be checked for chips from handling.

Pete